Obituary of Avesta F. Scott

     Avesta F. Scott was born in Indiana, May 24, 1855. He came to
Iowa with his parents at the age of two years.  During most of his
life he resided on the farm in the community of North English. Death
came, following a lingering illness, at the age of 71years, 3 months,
14 days.
     On December 15, 1878, he was united in marriage to Mary Jane
Gilchrist.  To this union was born six children.  Lancia G; Mary Etta;
Ona Bertha of Detroit, Michigan; Albert Alvin of St. Croix Falls,
Wisconsin; Ida L. of Hayden, Arizona; and David Avesta of Milwaukee,
Wisc.  The oldest son Lancea G. died on June 1, 1892 at the age of
twelve years.  The second child, Mary Etta, wife of Edward Morrison,
died on January 3, 1919 at the age of 36; seventeen days prior to the
death of her mother, which occurred on January 20th.
     The surviving members of the family gathered at their father's
home here last June, Ona remained to care for her father during his
illness.

     Mr. Scott received little school training but despite his limited
education he became a great reader and a profound thinker.  Early in
life he became a Christian, and remained throughout his life an
earnest follower of Christ and a student of the Bible.  He possessed
unnatural ability and bore the traits of a noble family.  His
grandfather, Alexander Scott, was a minister of the Gospel; and his
father, Elisha Scott, was the second of a list of twenty-four
ministers whose pastorate extend back to the beginning of the
Christian church of North English.  Elisha Scott was associated with
W.  J. Springer in organizing the first local Christian church in
1857; and in the construction of the first building in 1860.  In the
corner stone of the present structure abides the documents and papers
of the history of the church, which were treasured possessions of the
Scott family.  Barcley M. Scott, brother of the deceased {who has
retired from the ministry and is now living in California} was the
sixth pastor of the local church.  Another brother, Dr. E. C. Scott of
Des Moines is an officer in the University Church of Christ.  He also
leaves to mourn his passing, many relatives and close friends.

     Each generation must pass away, adding its achievements of the
history of the past and to the advancement of the human race.  The
passing of one whose family name has been associated with the best
interest and progress of community life, is deeply felt by the people
of the community.  Others have labored and we have entered into their
labors.

The funeral service was held Friday afternoon at 2: o'clock at the
home, conducted by Reverend Albert Miller assisted by Reverend W. W.
Sanderson.  Interment in North English Cemetery. 

{Newspaper clipping from Nardah Reed to Trudy Heiman. No date}